Cricket is no longer a game – it’s a world entertainment industry. And at the center of that evolution are powerhouse franchises that rule the leagues, win over hearts and redefine what it means to be a modern sports brand.
But with all the giants comes one question that keeps fans and analysts alike debating:
What is the largest cricket franchise in the world in 2025?
If you are a follower of IPL, an aspiring league lover or even simply interested in the business aspects of cricket, this ranking sums up the top 10 cricket franchises based on brand value, fan-following, global hop and digital leverage along with overall supremacy. Let’s dive deep.
Top 10 Biggest Cricket Franchise in The World Ranking Table 2025
Franchise Brand Value & Social Snapshot
All values shown in USD. Data is approximate and may vary year to year.
| Rank | Franchise | League | Estimated Brand Value (USD) | Social Followers | Owner(s) / Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CSK Chennai Super Kings | IPL | $235 million (₹1,972 crore) | 35M+ | India Cements (Chennai Super Kings Ltd.) |
| 2 | MI Mumbai Indians | IPL | $242 million | 40M+ | Reliance Industries (Nita Ambani) |
| 3 | RCB Royal Challengers Bangalore | IPL | $269 million | 38M+ | Diageo India (United Spirits) |
| 4 | KKR Kolkata Knight Riders | IPL | $227 million | 32M+ | Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla & Jay Mehta |
| 5 | SRH Sunrisers Hyderabad | IPL | $154 million (₹1,291 crore) | 12M+ | Sun TV Network (Kalanithi Maran) |
| 6 | RR Rajasthan Royals | IPL | $146–$147 million | 13M+ | Manoj Badale-led consortium |
| 7 | DC Delhi Capitals | IPL | $152 million | 20M+ | GMR Group & JSW Sports |
| 8 | GT Gujarat Titans | IPL | $142 million | 9M+ | CVC Capital Partners |
| 9 | LQ Lahore Qalandars | PSL | $25.1 million | 12M+ | Fawad Rana (Qatar Lubricants Company – QALCO) |
| 10 | SS Sydney Sixers | BBL | $20 million | 10M+ | Cricket New South Wales |
Chennai Super Kings — IPL
Mumbai Indians — IPL
Royal Challengers Bangalore — IPL
Kolkata Knight Riders — IPL
Sunrisers Hyderabad — IPL
Rajasthan Royals — IPL
Delhi Capitals — IPL
Gujarat Titans — IPL
Lahore Qalandars — PSL
Sydney Sixers — BBL
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL)
League: IPL
RCB clinched their maiden IPL title in 2025 – years of what could’ve been, and a soaring brand value unlocked. With easily one of the largest fan bases in world cricket carrying a lot more than loyalty, RCB is today”s face of Internationally renowned modern day cricket branding.
- Massive digital following across platforms
- Strong historical legacy led by legends like Virat Kohli
- 1st title win adds weight to their brand of long standing
- Merchandise sales exploded post-2025 championship
The RCB are not just popular any more, they’re champions and that opens up the highest echelons.
2. Mumbai Indians (MI)
League: IPL
Always a force to reckon with, the Mumbai Indians remain one of the richest and most successful franchises on the planet. They sit there thanks to their multi-league ownership, huge sponsorships and track record of titles.
- Five-time IPL winners before 2025
- Huge global operations (with branches in other T20 leagues)
- Backed by elite corporate ownership
- Worldwide support and particularly strong in the youth academies
3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
League: IPL
If loyalty had a color it would be yellow. The fan following of CSK, influenced mainly by the magnetic persona of MS Dhoni, is extensive and spread across continents. Even with Dhoni accelerating into the sunset, the franchise can’t quite shake the look of dependability and dignity.
- Multiple IPL titles
- Legendary leadership and fan-driven branding
- Sold-out Chepauk games every season
- Merchandising and legacy content keeps the brand alive
4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
League: IPL
With celebrity owners taking to the stage at pre-match coverage, endless marketing gigs and brand power (largely thanks to Bollywood) strong enough to give any global MNC a run for their money, KKR today is one of the most valuable cricketing franchises there is.
- Stylish branding and storytelling
- They’ve got some good global presence and they’re pretty strong in CPL.
- Fan base in East India, but expanding internationally
- Young players and oldies are the perfect combination on-field.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
League: IPL
SRH has become a silent force. Their emphasis on developing young stars, good marketing and improved performance over the past few seasons has sent their value and presence skyward.
- Effective youth development systems
- Rapid growth in digital space
- Consistent on-field competitiveness
- Emerging brand appeal across India
6. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
League: IPL
The small boys of IPL, RR has always been known for innovation, player discovery and fan-first model. Their brand appeals to both the traditionalists and the Gen Z fans.
- Known for backing emerging stars
- Smart digital campaigns and influencer tie-ins
- Two of the early with performance analytics
- Global demand trickling in constantly via UK and SA fanbases
7. Delhi Capitals (DC)
League: IPL
DC went from being shaky to one of the most intriguing new franchises. Their marketing is sleek, their squad dynamic and their outreach oriented toward younger, digital-native fans.
- Youth Identity and Squad depth – Strong
- Top-tier digital campaigns
- Innovative sponsorship deals
- Growing merchandise and streetwear influence
8. Gujarat Titans (GT)
League: IPL
One of the newer teams in the league, GT have lifted an IPL title already and can boast a large following in only a couple of seasons. They’re a success story in fast-track mode and have marketing to match.
- Instant title success in first season
- Fresh brand identity
- Star players with mass appeal
- Rapid commercial and content growth
9. Lahore Qalandars
League: PSL
Leading Pakistan franchise, the Lahore Qalandars have been the visage of PSL’s global aspirations. They are known for investing heavily in player development, and draw a huge following among the diaspora.
- Biggest fanbase in Pakistan’s PSL
- Exceptional grassroots talent programs
- Strong UK and UAE following
- Emotional brand connection with fans
10. Sydney Sixers
League: BBL
Sydney Sixers is among the most successful Big Bash sides, and a fan favorite in Australia. They are nowhere near as glamorous as the teams of the Indian Premier League, but they wield significant local clout and have a dedicated following on two continents, along with family-first branding.
- Multiple-time BBL champions
- Appeals to Australian family audiences
- Strong local commercial partnerships
- Solid team culture and local ties
What Makes Cricket Franchises “The Biggest”?
1. Brand Value
The estimated market worth of a franchise includes everything from media rights and merchandising to sponsorships and fan allegiance.
2. Global Fanbase
The number of followers in various countries (especially on Instagram, YouTube and X- shows who really was connected to the audience.
3. Commercial Deals
Sponsorship income, licensing deals, kit partnerships and stadium naming rights further bolster financial muscle.
4. On-field Success
“It makes everybody’s job a little bit easier when you start winning trophies, or go to semi-finals of the playoffs all the time and get in the finals – because then your legacy does attract high performance talent.
5. Digital Influence
How much engagement, content creation and follower interaction can indicate how well a franchise dominates the modern fan space.
6. Cultural Impact
Does the team transcend cricket? Ist Todeskandidat ein Zeichen von Stolz, Vererbung, Aufstand oder Tradition? These emotional attachments last the longest.’
Trends Defining Franchises Dominance in 2025
The domination of some top franchises is not co-incidental, it’s constructed on trends that shape cricket in 2025:
1. Digital-First Fan Engagement
From Instagram reels to behind-the-scenes vlogs and fan polls, franchises are developing loyal viewer bases through a mix of wins. and good content.
2. Global Ownership Models
Franchises like Mumbai Indians and KKR now have teams in multiple leagues – in South Africa, the USA and the Caribbean (more on this later) – which only adds to their brand impact.
3. Merchandising Explosion
Jerseys, caps, cellphone cases, fan wearables, NFTs – you name it. Franchises are converting fans into “walking billboards” with aggressive merchandise tactics.
4. Trophy + Relaxation = Brand Potential
Winning is essential – but so is style. Take RCB, for instance with both in 2025. There’s no beating the mix of trophies, drama and connection.
5. Cultural Identity
A successful franchise builds tradition. CSK’s “Yellove,” RCB’s “Play Bold,” MI’s “One Family: These are not taglines, they’re emotional pegs.
Final Thoughts:
After years of scorn over the title that got away, Royal Challengers Bangalore have not just completed its critics but seized the world of cricket. Their 2025 title uncovered enormous brand equity, and with unrivaled digital power, fan affection – and now a championship pedigree – (they) are at the top.
But the competition is stiff. Mumbai Indians, CSK and KKR are just behind-each team coming with a history, legions of faithful fans and machinery ready to reclaim the leading position. Rising franchises in the form of GT and DC add to that thrill. Beyond India, the likes of Lahore Qalandars and Sydney Sixers remind us that cricket’s global stage is changing.
In the current day and age of modern cricket, where franchises are much more than just a cricket team (they’re brands), the title of ‘Biggest Cricket Franchise in the World’ is earned on and off the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is the largest cricket franchise in the world?
Ans: As of 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) holds the title of the largest cricket franchise in the world. With an estimated brand value of $235 million, a deeply loyal fanbase, and consistent on-field success, CSK tops the global rankings.
2. Is RCB the most popular team in the world?
Ans: In terms of fan engagement and social media activity, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is one of the most popular teams globally. Despite not having as many titles, RCB enjoys unmatched digital support, fueled largely by the presence of Virat Kohli and a fiercely loyal online fanbase.
3. Which is more famous, CSK or RCB?
Ans: Both CSK and RCB are incredibly famous, but in different ways. CSK leads in terms of legacy, trophies, and emotional connection with fans across generations. RCB, on the other hand, rules the digital landscape and youth culture. If fame is about consistency and titles, CSK wins. If it’s about buzz and engagement, RCB gives it a strong challenge.
4. Who is the godfather of IPL?
Ans: Many fans refer to MS Dhoni as the “Godfather of IPL”, thanks to his leadership, calm demeanor, and immense contribution to CSK’s legacy. His influence goes beyond stats – he’s seen as the face of IPL’s golden era and a reason many fans started watching the league.
5. Who is a cool captain?
Ans: The title of the “coolest captain” is often given to MS Dhoni. Known for staying calm under pressure, making strategic decisions without panic, and backing young players, Dhoni has become a symbol of composed leadership in cricket.
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